The proposed Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill has sparked outrage among workplace safety advocates, particularly those affected by the Pike River tragedy. The bill, which aims to simplify workplace safety laws, is seen as a step backward by many, including Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, who are leading the charge against it. They argue that the bill risks another workplace disaster and undermines the progress made since the Pike River tragedy, which claimed 29 lives in 2010.
Osborne, a vocal critic of the bill, expresses her frustration with the government's approach. She believes that the bill's removal of worker protections is a betrayal of the men lost at Pike River and a disregard for the ongoing fight for workplace safety. The select committee's report highlights the bill's potential to create a 'Henry VIII power', allowing secondary legislation to bypass parliamentary scrutiny, which is deeply concerning to advocates.
The Institute of Safety Management's spokesperson, Mike Cosman, shares a similar sentiment, calling the bill a 'dog's breakfast'. He argues that the bill's complexity and failure to address fundamental issues render it ineffective. Cosman points out that the bill's reintroduction of a three-metre height rule for fall protection is a step backward, especially considering the lessons learned from the Canterbury earthquake rebuild.
The bill's proposed two-tier system, with different standards for small and large businesses, is also under scrutiny. Cosman highlights the irony of small businesses having a higher injury rate despite being exempt from certain safety measures. The Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum and BusinessNZ have both expressed concerns, with the former warning of increased ACC costs and reduced productivity.
The controversy surrounding the bill extends beyond the select committee, with the Green and Labour parties opposing it. The select committee's report criticizes the government's handling of the bill, suggesting it is a rubber stamp for the current administration. The bill's potential to reverse progress made in workplace safety since the Pike River tragedy has sparked a heated debate, leaving many concerned about the future of workplace safety in New Zealand.
